Tag Archives: capitola shopping

My family has been going to Capitola for a few weeks every summer for as long as I can remember. I have a lot of great memories from summers in that town, and it’s a place I hold near and dear to me. For the past few years, I’ve only been able to shoot down for a few days or so – so when I’m there, it’s mostly sun bathing on the beach, or trivial pursuit at the beach house, and then I’m gone just as quickly as I arrived. Needless to say, I may have missed some lovely developments in that dreamy little village.

This past weekend I met up with a group of girlfriends from college that I haven’t seen in two years, so we all had a lot of catching up to do! (Quick recap: pregnancy! engagement!) We were originally supposed to stay in La Selva beach, but due to a strange twist of events (including a squatter and classical music no less) we changed plans and made a last-minute reservation at the Venetian in Capitola. I was excited because I thought “I know this town – I’ll show these girls around, no big!” Completely forgetting that for the past 3 or so years, I’ve reserved myself to the sand and my parents house whenever I’ve been there. Since it’s the middle of winter, laying out wasn’t really an option – so we went shopping! As we set about our excursion, I was pleasantly surprised. The last time I did any “real” shopping in Capitola, I was in high school – so it was more hemp ankle bracelets and platform flip-flops. They have some amazing shops, with some incredible finds and I’ve highlighted a few new favorites below.

6. Charley & Co. – adorable little gift shop with lots of quirky, homemade looking decor items. They were unfortunately closed when I was there, but the window display was enough to make me want to come back – again and again.

7. Just Baby – as stated above, our group is expecting a little one soon! So the mama-to-be was showered with tiny little gems from this shop. They also make their own custom clothing.

8. Panache – one stop that was not new to me, I’ve been going here every year. But it’s one of my favorites so I thought I’d give them a shout out. Fantastic smelling lotions, bath gel, oils, as well as an array of other body products and gifts. This year’s purchase – the shea butter coconut lotion.

9. Vanity by the Sea – little sunglasses shop run by an adorable married couple. Large selection of Prada, Ray Ban, Coach and Maui Jim. Everyone in our group walked out with a new pair (except for me, I just got a new pair of these awesome House of Harlows)

It was such a fun trip, and it was so great to see these girls. We may let a few years go by before we get together, but it never fails to feel like we all just saw each other yesterday as we pick up right where we left off.